Recommended for such people
・ I like the ruins
・ I want to know the recommended ferry company
What is Gunkanjima?
There is an island called "Hashima" in Nagasaki Prefecture, and it is called "Gunkanjima" because it looks like a warship floating in the sea.
It used to be the island with the highest population density in Japan, but now it is an uninhabited ruin.
Introducing the history and highlights of Gunkanjima.
History of Gunkanjima
Gunkanjima is an island that has developed as a coal quarry.
Development has progressed since around 1890, and around 1960, when it was at its peak, more than 5000 people lived there.
After that, the leading role of energy changed from coal to oil, and the mine was closed in 1974.
To tourist spots
After becoming an uninhabited island, the buildings were weathered and tourists could not get close to the island.
It has been left unattended for a long time, but in the 2000s it attracted attention as the remains of modern industry, and the voice of openness to the public is increasing.
As a result, a tour passage was built in 2009, allowing tourists to visit.
Registered as a World Heritage Site
In 2015, 8 areas in 23 prefectures including Gunkanjima were registered as a World Heritage Site under the long name "Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolutionary Heritage Steelmaking / Steelmaking, Shipbuilding, Coal Industry".
To be honest, I don't feel like I'm not surprised except for Gunkanjima.
Many of the recently registered World Heritage Sites have a cultural background.
(Since the purpose of World Heritage is to protect cultural properties, is the current situation correct?)
Highlights
You can land on the island, and about 1/4 lap of the island will be a tour course.
Building No. 30: Japan's first reinforced concrete
The central building will be the first reinforced concrete apartment built in Japan in 1916.
The latest technology at the time was used because we wanted the building to be taller in order to make effective use of the limited space.
The population density at its peak is the highest in the world, which is about nine times that of Tokyo's 23 wards, which is surprising.
The island itself has been reclaimed more and more and is about three times its original size.
General office
The red brick building will be the general office where the materials were placed.
There was also a bath for workers, and the water was immediately black and muddy with charcoal.
Remains of the pier at the entrance of the second shaft
The stairs on the right of the center go down to the second shaft, which was the main shaft.
The work at the mine was so life-threatening that it was also called the "staircase of life."
The white lighthouse in the back of the center was built because it was dangerous for night navigation after becoming an uninhabited island.
Luxury home
The highest building is the company housing for executives.
This is the only residence on Gunkanjima that has a bath in all rooms.
Perhaps the islanders were swearing at me.
Living environment at that time
Because working in a coal mine is dangerous, the salary was more than double the normal amount.
Therefore, when the TV penetration rate was 10%, it was almost 100% of households.
There are not only schools and hospitals, but also movie theaters and pachinko machines, so it seems that living on the island was not a problem.
Access and travel time
The only way to land on Gunkanjima is to use a local tour company, so be sure to make a reservation.
Regardless of which company you use, it will take about 3 hours in total, including transportation by ferry.
The ferry terminal varies depending on the company, but they are all near Nagasaki Station.
Gunkanjima Tour: Reservation Site
Which tour company do you recommend?
There are several tour companies, but "Gunkanjima Concierge" is recommended.
Gunkanjima Tour: Reservation Site
There are plans that just go around the island, but make sure to book a "landing plan" so you don't make a mistake.
Reason for recommendation XNUMX: High landing rate
Gunkanjima may not be able to land due to weather conditions.
The landing rate of Gunkan Concierge is higher than that of other companies, and detailed monthly data is also available. (There are few companies that disclose the landing rate in the first place)
Landing rate: Gunkanjima Concierge
The monthly landing rate varies from year to year, and it cannot be simply said that "○○ month is recommended", so let's go whenever you like.
Reason for recommendation XNUMX: Unique museum
We are working hard to create a facility called "Gunkanjima Digital Museum".
It is undeniable that the admission fee (1800 yen) is expensive, but if you apply for the tour option, it will be half the price (900 yen).
Those who want to enjoy Gunkanjima should go because it will supplement the parts that you do not understand even if you land on the island.
Finally
Gunkanjima is a unique island considering its appearance and history, but it may not be possible to land even if you go there. (Around 10 to 20% cannot be landed including the cancellation rate)
In the first place, for many people, just going to Nagasaki Station should be a hassle, so I will leave it as one star.
Ruins enthusiasts should go no matter what.